John Sommer

Dr. John A. Sommer, age 94, of Empire, formerly of Battle Creek, passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. He was born September 23, 1918 in Bronson, MI to Dr. John A. and Marjorie (Lane) Sommer, Sr. John graduated from Bronson High School and went on to receive his B.A. from Albion College. He attended Harvard Business School and received his doctorate in Dentistry from the University of Michigan. On June 30, 1940 John married the late Betty Ann Blanchard in Bronson. John was drafted into the US Air Force during WWII. Because of his patriotism towards his country, John re-enlisted at the start of the Korean War. Dr. Sommer had his career in Dentistry for over 40 years. He was the sole practitioner in his office located in the Michigan National Bank Building in Battle Creek. John will be greatly missed by his family. Children: Karen (Robert) Christensen of Green Valley, AZ, Marjorie (Andy) Cooke of Wellesley, MA, John A. Sommer III of Empire, and Dr. Rebecca (Martin LaCasse) Sommer; 14 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and one great great granddaughter. John was preceded in death by his parents; wife Betty; sister Patricia Ford; and grandson Andrew R. Cooke Jr. A funeral will be held Friday, April 12, 2013 at 2 PM at the Covell Funeral Home in Traverse City. Burial will take place Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 1 PM at Bronson Cemetery in Bronson MI. Please share a memory of John at www.covellfuenralhomes.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Traverse City.